Matrix for linotype-machines.



Y AIA-887,034. PATENTBD MAY 5, 1908.

A. DOW. l

MATRIX FOR LINOTYPE MACHINES.

, NRM@ APPLICATION FILED JAN. 10, 1908.

AltliXXlilIit DOW, Ul" 'NEW YOUR, N. Y., ISSIGNOR I() MERGENTIIALIIR LINUTYPE CORI- PANY, A (OHIOILAIION Ol NEW YORK. v

Original application led June 28, 1907` Serial No. 381,276. Divided and this application led Serial No. 10,07%

To alliw/zom may concern: l

Be r1' :known that l, ALEXANDER Dow,

of city oli' NewYork, .county of New York,

and State of New York, have invented a new 5 and useful Improvement'in Matrices for Linotype-Machines, of which the following is a speciiication.

B y invention relates to circulating matrices such as are used in Mergenthaler linotype machines and kindred machines,wherein the matrices, stored in magazines, are released one at a time, composed temporarily in justiiied lines, and transferred to a casting meehanism, wherein they form relief characters on the edge of slugs or linotypes cast in` a mold, after which they are, returned through a distributing mechanism to the magazine channels from which they were discharged.

My invention has reference more particularly to matrices provided with combina` tions of distributing-teeth, whereby they are sustained. while being carried along a toothed distributer-bar until they arrive over their appropriate magazine channels, as described, for example, in U. S. patent to Mergenthaler, 347,629. l

In the Mergenthaler construction,v each matrix containing a V-shaped notch at the upper end, is provided in each Wall of the notch with one, two or more teeth, the number and arrangement of the teeth in one side being identical with'that on the opposite,

side. In otlier words, the opposed groups of teeth on one ond of the matrix are identical. This factmakes it necessary, .in order to distribute the required variety of characters, to use six or more teeth on each side. As these teeth must be ol' substantial size, and as considerable clearance must be left between the teeth of the matrices and those of the distributer-bar, it is impossible to reduce the distributer-bar and the matrices in size to the extent desired.

The aim of my .invention in this regard is 5 to so arrange the distributing-teeth that a small number of large teeth may be arranged in a limited space without decreasing the number oi' mixibinations, and to this'end it consists broadly in providing matrices with 60 opposed unsyininetrical or unlike combinations of teeth. In other words, I diii'eren- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 5, 1908.

January 10, 1908.

tiate the opposing combinations both of which are ,in action at the same time, as to l the number or the Arelative positionsl of their teeth', or both. In .this manner, I amenabled to secure with a small number of teeth, the same results as are obtained with a much greater number of teeth in the Mergenthaler system. The matrices thus constructed, are adapted to be used in combination with a distributer having dissimilar opposed combinations, as shown for example in application for Letters Patent of the United States SerialNo. 381,276,1Ciled by me on the 22nd day of June, 1907.

My invention also relates to a special form of the body oi the matrix, as hereinafter explained.

In the draWings,-Figure is a side elevation of a distributer-bar constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the same on the line 2 2 Figs. l, 3 and 4;. Figs. 3 and 4 are side elevations on a larger scale, of the receiving end of the bar viewed from opposite sides, i11- cluding the combinations or groups of teeth its lower edge of V-form in cross-section, and

with longitudinal distributing-teeth b 0n 0pposite sides, these teeth being located at dii'- ferent heights and made of various lengths.

They are permuted or arranged in such manner that the bar is of constantly varying form in cross-section from one end to the other, the successive groups or combinations of teeth being such, in relation to those of the matrices, that each matrix will be suspended by the teeth while traveling along the bar until" it arrives over the proper magazine channel, when, for the first time, all of its teeth will be disengaged so ,that it may fall from the bar to the magazine. This method of arranging the teeth, and the principles involved in df termining the combinations, are Well undei' stood by those skilled in the art. The bar herein shown, unlike that of the Mergenthaler patent, has thecombination at any one point in its length different Jfrom the combination directly opposite, and this in order that the opposing combinations may jointly -coperate in suspending the matrices which form the subject of the present invention.

A The matrices K, so far as the distributing feature is concerned, may have any desired outlinevor marginal form. Eachi matrix is provided in the upper edge with a V-shaped notch, and the opposing walls or edges of these notches are provided with the inwardly 1projecting distributer-teeth 7c at various eights. There may be any desired number of these teeth on each side. They are arranged in diiierent numbers or combinations in the matrices containing dilierent characters, all matrices containing the saine character, however, being alike. 4

The teeth in one side ofthe matrix di'iier as to their number or their relative positions, or as to bothA number and relative positions, from those on the opposite side. In other words, the 'opposing combinations or arrangements of teethare dissimilar or unsymmetrical. The effect of this is to permit the use of a small number of teeth in each edge of the matrix, so that teeth of large size may be employed in a small space, or in other words, in a matrix of a small size. sult isv due to the fact that the opposing unlike combinations coperate with a matrix.

at the same time, so that the two combinations act as one. In other words, the combination as a whole, at any point in the length of the bar, is represented by the teeth on one side plus the opposing and differently arranged teeth on the opposite side. In other words, the' combination of a iven number of teeth, instead oi' being comp eted on each sideoi the bar, is divided between the two sides. f

It will of course be understood that as a' matrix is carried along the bar, certain of its teeth on4 either or both sides will be repeatedly engaged and disengaged, and that it will be held in suspension until all of the 'teeth are'disengaged at one time.

By reference to Figs. 5 to 11, it will be seen that each of the matrices will be free to leave thebar at' the point where the latter has the form shown opposite the matrix. I t willbe observed, however, that if these matrices are transposed,any one of them will be retained on the 'bar where it has either of the other tion for Letters Patent of the United '.Serial No. 410,149,1iled-Jan. 10, 1908 I give This re- Of course In order to permit the practical use ofv these matrices in a machine which l have invented, and especially to permit their use in connection with certain expansible spacers which form the subject-matter of an a ,plica- Etates,

them the form herein shown.

Each matrix consists of a flat plate K, having in one of its vertical edges the character Vor matrix proper k2. The matrix has a generally rectangular outline, and the edge in which the matrix is located, commonly known as the front edge, isV recessed or out backin such manner as toleave a vertical middle portion with horizontally projecting ears lcs and 764 at the upper and lower ends-respectively. These shoulders are utilized 'toV sustain the matrices while traveling through the machineyalso to effect their alinement in the casting position; and also to prevent them from moving endwise as the wedge spacers or justiiers are thrust through the line b tween and against the matrices. At their ibwer ends the matrices are e'ach rovided with one or more notches 765. notches id er in size or arrangement as be- Tese4 tween t e matrices containing di'le'rent characters, and are utilized in connection with a distributing mechanism. 'f The rear or vertical edge of' the matrix is made without shoulders, `and continuous y from to to bottom, except4 that it may be provide with a notch lr", which is utilized in connection with the aliningand sustaining devices of the linoty e machine.

l prefer to rovi e` the matrix also in the i upper end wit a central Anotch k extending downward below the toothed portionand of suflicient size to receive a continuous guiding rib formed on the lower edge of the distributer bar, and v serve to prevent the matrix from swaying or shiftingl edgewise during its travel along the bar. A

'By the expression, opposed combinations and similar expressions herein, I refer to combinations which are located at the same end of the matrix, or in such relation to each other that both combinations are operated at one time in connection with' the distributing mechanism.

Having described my invention, I claim and desii'e to secure by Letters Patent :--y

1. A matrix provided at one end with opi'io 4. A matrix having in its up er end two hand thisnineteenth day of December, 1907, unllike ses lofldistribitingaeet and a oenin the prsence of two attesting Witnesses. tra noto e oW sai teet 5. A matrix having in its upper end a cen- ALEXANDER` DOW' 5 trai notch 7c', and above said notch opposed Witnesses:

dissimilar arrangements of teeth. A. VQ R. BARMWALL,

In testimonywhereof I hereunto set my WILLIAM F. SMAIL. 

